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EPA

The nation's Attorney General, the country's chief legal officer, has been compelled to step down after being convicted of disclosing classified details in a highly contentious case that has intensified political divisions within the country.

Judicial Decision and Sanctions

The highest court determined that García Ortiz had unlawfully revealed details about the tax status of entrepreneur a prominent business figure, who is the boyfriend of a leading opposition figure.

The court imposed a 24-month prohibition from his position and a fine of €7,200. Furthermore, he must compensate €10,000 to Mr González Amador as restitution.

Political Fallout

The trial of García Ortiz fueled the previously strained relations between the progressive administration of the nation's leader and the conservative political forces.

Contrasting positions were underlined by reactions to the conviction.

"The prime minister must offer an apology to Spaniards, step down and call elections, in that order," said a spokesperson for the main opposition party.

The government stated it did not agree with the ruling but acknowledged it and would move forward with the selection of a replacement prosecutor.

Legal Controversy

However, numerous politicians on the left expressed anger at what they viewed as a politically motivated ruling.

Health Minister Mónica García, of the Sumar party, stated the conviction dealt a "lethal blow to the principle of innocent until proven guilty" and threw ordinary Spaniards under the bus when it came to the rule of law.

Origins of the Matter

The complex case originated in spring of 2024, when the attorney general's office issued a press release indicating that Mr González Amador had sought a negotiated settlement after being found to have evaded tax payments worth over 350,000 euros.

The document corrected mistaken press reports stating that the prosecutor's department had proposed the bargain.

The origin of the false information was the head of communications of the regional leader of Madrid.

Court Case Details

Mr González Amador filed a complaint against the chief prosecutor, claiming his privacy had been breached. The case against García Ortiz also saw him accused of disclosing details about the matter to the media.

Legal authorities pointed to the attorney general's decision to change his phone as suspicious.

However, there was no conclusive proof linking the attorney general to the leak and several journalists stated under oath during the trial that he had not provided information of their reporting.

Regarding the press statement, the attorney general stated he was merely rectifying the erroneous reports.

The attorney general can challenge the ruling.

Wider Political Implications

This represents a severe blow for the national leader, who has been under judicial pressure on multiple issues.

• A family member is scheduled for court proceedings for influence peddling
• The prime minister's spouse is being examined for her business activities
• Two former senior figures in the governing political organization are accused of managing a massive kickback scheme